Cell phone cameras in the K-12 classroom: Punishable offenses or student-citizen journalism?

[cross-posted at LeaderTalk]

Take a look at the seven YouTube videos below, all taken by student cell phone cameras in classrooms. Do we want students bringing to public attention these types of classroom incidents? Should students be punished or applauded for filming and posting these?

Comments

[Fred]

101.

I watched all the videos but grew tired of reading all the comments. (As interesting as they were, the were all very similar.) One thing that seems to be missing from many is the role of the teacher. As a classroom teacher, I recognize that these problems are part of a pattern that begins on day one. Traditionally students come into class ready to learn. I call this the honeymoon period. It is during this time that teachers have to establish routines--one of which is respect. Although I hesitate to critique my colleagues since I do not know the context of the clips I saw, I do wonder how engaged these students are? What methods are being used to deliver instruction.
There are many well meaning teachers who simply are unaware of the changing realities under which they labor. Technology has changed students' minds. As educators we have to stop clinging to the old way of doing things (lecture and worksheet) and embrace these changes. The fault lies with the administration and the school boards who demand rigor and improved test results but refuse to pay for teachers to update their skills.

[M]

102.

This is why China will overtake America in the next 100 years. Your children's grandchildren will be slaves to their Chinese overlords. Bring corporal punishment back into the schools, take away the cellphones and internet and tv garbage. The parents are retarded, the kids are animals. Good luck.

[mobile phones]

103.

mobile phones
This is realy very bad to use mobile phones by the small school children..

mobile phones

[mobile phone]

104.

Those teachers I'd guess don't have the support they need from principals. All they should have to do is have the student escorted out of the room, off the campus.isturbed said...

These kids are absolutely frightening. Respect for elders needs to be taught in the HOME.
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jai jai